United We Row

The selection committee comprises USRowing staff focused on United We Row and volunteers from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Board of Directors, and the USRowing Foundation who are committed to promoting access and inclusion within the rowing community.

Applications will be evaluated using a rubric based on key criteria, including alignment with USRowing’s Organizational Objectives, Accessibility and Impact, Sustainability and Growth, Representation, and Leadership.

Grants awarded through the United We Row Impact Program will go up to $10,000, providing financial support to rowing programs committed to fostering diversity and inclusion.

Eligible programs must hold 501c3 non-profit status, be in good standing with USRowing’s policies, and demonstrate a clear commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sport of rowing. Whether through new initiatives or building upon existing efforts, applicants should show their dedication and results of a more inclusive rowing community.

The application period will open in early April and will close in Early May. The application will be shared via social media, our newsletter, and the USRowing website.

Following the application and interview process, successful grant recipients will be announced by the selection committee at the beginning of June.

Yes, grant recipients will participate in quarterly grantee cohort gatherings via Zoom and engage with USRowing to share progress, exchange ideas, and receive support as they implement and grow their diversity and inclusion initiatives.

USRowing is open to supporting organizations in creative ways to help make their programs more inclusive and to bring the many benefits of rowing to all. We expect to support initiatives such as transportation, swim lessons, adaptive program support, scholarships, coaches of color, and equipment.

Yes, organizations are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years if their proposals are not selected initially.

Safe Sport Policies are required of all USRowing member organizations – and, on top of being a compliance issue, we want to partner with organizations that take the safety of athletes and their community seriously. We are interested not only in your policy, but how you put it into practice. Please review the template and adapt it for your organization here.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta Rowing Club is committed to welcoming athletes from all backgrounds and abilities. With this grant, they will expand programming to better support rowers with disabilities and provide travel assistance for Para rowers to compete in regattas.

Chicago, Illinois

Focused on youth development, Chicago Training Center leverages rowing to help Chicago youth realize their athletic and academic potential. The grant will fund coaching, equipment, transportation, and swimming lessons to support this mission.

Seattle, Washington

Green Lake Crew is committed to fostering an inclusive rowing community in the Seattle community. The grant will support their STEM to Stern program, which lowers costs and provides rowing experiences for young athletes in the area.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The first-ever co-ed rowing program at a Historically Black University, XULA Rowing Club will use the grant to cover regatta costs, travel for coaches, and recruitment events to help the program grow.

Oakland, California

Providing rowing opportunities to youth from all backgrounds, Oakland Strokes Rowing Club will use this grant to fund a pilot program in partnership with the East Bay Regional Park District, allowing more youth to try rowing for the first time.

Chicago, Illinois

Recovery on Water supports breast cancer survivors through rowing. With this grant, the organization will expand its outreach and increase accessibility to its novice program, focusing on engaging a more diverse population of survivors.

Rockland, New York

Rockland Rowing Association uses rowing to improve lives. This grant will help expand program capacity by funding new equipment and enabling the hiring and training of two adaptive rowing coaches.

Newburgh, New York

Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through education, San Miguel Academy ensures that 100% of its students row. The grant will support scholarships, transportation, and other administrative costs of running their rowing program.

Waco, Texas

Waco Rowing Center provides opportunities for local youth and aims to bridge communities through rowing. The grant will help fund a van to transport youth athletes, making the sport more accessible by breaking down transportation barriers.